How to Achieve a Clean Pool

Maintaining a swimming pool clean is not that complicated if you have the right know-how. Although you avail a service company, you still have to look after it so that your pool will be in good condition for a long time. You just need to be familiar with the proper and basic pool maintenance.

Circulation

Circulation of pool water is important for sanitation, so it is a vital part of pool care maintenance. The more water goes around, the more difficult it is for algae and bacteria to deposit. This is possible because of the pump which causes movement of water in the pool and transfers it to the filter. The filter removes debris, dust, and dirt, and then sends the water back to the pool.

There are considerations as to how long you should circulate the water in your pool. Some of these are the size of the pool and pipes, the load of the swimmer, and the size of your pool pump. The recommended duration is for 10 hours or more during the day or for approximately 1 hour for every 10 degrees of temperature. However, it is best to consult a professional regarding this. You should also remember to make the pump running or else, your pool will not be properly filtered.

Filtration

Your pool filter eliminates dirt and debris from your pool. Though there is a basket that acts as a filter in your pump, the filter is very vital in maintaining your pool. Backwashing sand or diatomaceous earth (DE) filters too much will cause your filter to be unproductive in cleaning, wasting water in the process. Once the pressure gauge reaches 8-10 psi from clean, you have to backwash your filters. Ask a pool expert about the importance of skimmer and pump basket in pool maintenance or check the manual for information on the filter you have on hand.

3 Types of Filters:

Sand Filters

These filters backwash or reverse the movement of water to remove the dirt. When the pressure gauge is 7 to 10 pounds higher than the pressure of normal operation, this is the time that backwashing is a must. This signifies that the filter is free from dirt. Sand filters perform more efficiently if they are a little dirty. Thus, it is not a good idea to clean them all the time. You can rinse them every season using a pool cleaner made for filters.

Cartridge Filters

Applying the same principle as sand filters of removing the cartridge once the pressure gauge shows a rise of 7 to 10 pounds higher than the normal, it will keep your cartridge filter free from debris and dirt. You have to immerse the parts in a filter cleaner for 12 hours or more. Oils and greases trapped in the filter elements will go away. After doing so, remove them from the filter cleaner solution and rinse with water. It will be better to completely dry before putting them back to the filter for optimum filter efficiency. In order for you not to delay circulating or infiltrating pool water, buying another set of cartridge parts will be advantageous since you can easily switch to the other set.

Similar to sand filters, the pressure should reach 7 to 10 pounds before backwashing DE filters. One difference with the maintenance is coating the grids of the filter by putting DE through the skimmer. To prevent oil and other natural oil deposits, they have to be cleaned for at least every season. You should also disassemble the DE filter and rinse for at least once a year. Moreover, you ought to inspect for any damage to the grids.

Testing the Pool’s Chemistry

You can check the water balance and sanitizer levels twice or thrice a week in the summer. During winter, you can do it once a week. This is part of pool care basics for these levels can make the swimmer feel comfort in the pool. You can utilize the recommended pool test kit like the test strips to these levels, pH and the total alkalinity level. Calcium levels and the presence of metal can be determined if the right testing is done. You can do this on your own or seek help from a pool professional. These are the elements you need to check so that scaling or corrosive actions will not occur.

pH

pH indicates the acid and base level in the water. Therefore, testing and adjusting the pH every week is necessary. If it is too acidic, the surface of the pool and equipment can break down. If the base is too high, you will see scaling and deposits, which results in cloudy water. You can adjust it using pH solution that can increase or decrease pH. Not only can you achieve the right pH, but you can also maximize the chlorine present in your pool. Make sure you follow the instructions indicated in whatever you put in your pool.

Calcium

The hardness level of calcium is the dissolved calcium in the water. If it is low, it will cause plaster to etch and vinyl liners to have a shorter life. On the other hand, high calcium will result to pool surfaces and equipment having calcium deposits. Get a sample of the water you use to fill your pool and ask a pool professional to analyze it.

Alkalinity

Total alkalinity helps you achieve the right pH balance for your pool. Testing this should be done on a weekly basis. Corrosion and staining will happen if the total alkalinity is low. pH levels will fluctuate that can result in cloudy and scaling pool if the total alkalinity is too high.

Metals

The presence of metals should not be seen in your pool. It can change the pool’s colors and stain it. Copper, iron, and manganese are usually seen in pools. Using a stain and scale remover will help you avoid these problems. You have to remove the source of these metals as well.

Sanitation

Chlorine

Chlorine is a very popular pool chemical. Chlorine products that are stabilized clean your pool and kills the bacteria. These do not degrade in sunlight, so it is good to maintain the cleanliness of your pool.

Bromine

Instead of chlorine, bromine tablets are better at sanitizing your pool. Both have the same function. However, a brominator which should be automatic must be put into place in your pool.

Shocking

Another way to protect your pool from unwanted falling leaves or debris aside from using pool cover is through shocking. Shocking the pool means super chlorinating it. Therefore, it keeps the pool clean and clear from dirt, debris, and algae. This is done regularly.

Algaecides

Algaecides protect your pool from algae formation, so it is only a support to the usual sanitation of your pool. You can add this after shocking your pool.

Following these guidelines, it is safe to say that you now know how to maintain your pool yourself.